Celtic captain Scott Brown has told the Daily Express he is planning a week away in the sun before returning to face Ireland.

The 29-year-old has been a main feature of the Celtic midfield this season but after starting the campaign injured has come out the other end unscathed and is now looking towards Scotland’s crunch Euro 2016 qualifying game against the Republic of Ireland in June.

Brown has already made 52 appearances for club and country this campaign and has proved his importance for both, helping to guide Celtic to another league title whilst assuming control as Scotland captain in the absence of Darren Fletcher.

With Champions League qualification already on the horizon for the Bhoys, Brown is keen for a quick week in the sun before focusing on international duty.

He said: "I'll be available. I’m enjoying playing and, when you’re fit and have no niggles, you want to play as much as you can.

“I’ve got a week so I’m going to go away, get a bit of sun and hopefully not burn too much!”

Ronny Deila will be hoping Brown comes through the game –which saw a physical first encounter at Celtic Park when Scotland won 1-0 – injury free and ready to take his place beside Nir Bitton at the base of the Bhoys midfield.

Deila will already be planning for the loss of John Guidetti, Jason Denayer and Virgil van Dijk going into the early season Champions League qualifying games, so for everyone to stay injury free over the international games would be a big boost for the Hoops’ European chances.

The influential midfielder will lift the Scottish Premiership trophy after next Sunday’s game against Inverness as Celtic continue to show their dominance in Scottish football.

Blair Ferguson

Blair Ferguson is a freelance writer with a particular interest in Scottish football and the Championship, although he doesn't find the Premier League too bad either. Blair continues to report on the Football League and FA WSL whilst writing for other media outlets.